Joseph is a young boy from Uganda. He is the second born in a family of two children. His father is a boda boda taxi driver who transports luggage in and outside of their village for a living while his mother offers casual labor in one of the factories near their home. They rent a single room for shelter. His elder sibling is six years old and in top junior class and Joseph is in preschool class. Their home is a walking distance from our medical partner's care center Rushoroza Hospital. For one month, Joseph has had a left inguinal hernia. He developed a small on and off inguinal swelling that was painless. He is very playful and therefore it normally appears when he plays for a while. Currently, the swelling has increased in size and his father believes that his condition will continue to worsen if not treated. His family came to Rushoroza Hospital and after examination, the doctor recommended surgery, which the parents cannot afford. Fortunately, on January 10th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $170 to fund Joseph's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Joseph's father says, “My son is not well and feels uncomfortable when the swelling appears. I believe he will live a normal life after surgery so that he may be able to take on his studies comfortably.”

Siem is a 68-year-old retired rice farmer from Kandal province in Cambodia. She is married but has no children and lives with her husband, a vegetable farmer. She helps him sell their produce at the local market, and at home, she enjoys listening to the monks praying on the radio when she has free time. A year ago, Siem developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, photophobia and frequent hearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Siem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 1st, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Siem says, "I hope I can see things clearly again so I can travel easily on my own and help my husband with our vegetables."

Sophal is a 61-year-old farmer from Kandal province in Cambodia. She is a widow with no children. Since her husband passed away last year, she lives alone and tries to support herself. She plants bananas and vegetables at home for sale at her local market. She is worried about being able to support her needs and financing any medical treatment. One years ago, Sophal developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and photophobia. It is difficult for her to go out to socialize, which can cause depression. When Sophal learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled hoping for treatment. On December 8th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She said, "I hope I can see everything and recognize faces clearly after surgery. I would like to plant more crops to sell and support myself."